My Daughter Won't Go to Sleep!!

My daughter (20 months) won't sleep at night either. It takes her 1 - 2 hours every night! There are 2 things I do.... Number one) If she is crying or yelling, I will go to her and ask what's wrong, rub her head, tell her to sleep.... basically do what it takes to calm her, but do not take her out of the crib. Once she is in bed, she is there to stay. No matter what. I always tell her nicely but firmly to go to sleep. Of course, this can last for hours, so I only do it if she is really crying. If she is just awake, I leave her alone.

Number 2) To keep her happy while she is alone.... She has a teddy bear and blanket that she LOVES. She talks to her bear forever. She also has an aquarium soother, so she presses the button and plays the music. This allows her to be awake for the 2 hours without driving us crazy and preventing us from sleeping.

i was worried about allowing her to be up for so long, but all the advice i got is that as long as she is happy, what's the difference?

So, maybe get her some approriate crib things to keep her happy. If she is going to be awake anyway, it might as well not make you or her unhappy. But whether you get her toys or not, I still suggest that as much as you go in her room to calm her, do not take her out of the crib. She needs to get the message that once it's bed time... there is no other option.

just a few tips
get rid of the bottle. give her milk with dinner. not afterwards
earplugs...for HUBBY. very important you two are on the same page or this will not work and you'll find yourself with a 3 year old calling the shots :)

Hey P.,

The time change usually does effect us all for a few days until we adjust. Maybe move the bedtime a little later for a few nights and then slowly back until you get to where you want it to be. An hour is a big difference and can really effect some kids. I agree with you 100% what your husband did (although I do understand some people cant listen to their children cry) will only send the message that if I carry on like this someone will come and get me. You never want to give into a tantrum. For the moment it is a quick fix but in the long run you are only reinforcing negative behavior. At my nursery school we are having trouble getting our toddlers down for their nap because of the time change so I would give her a few days to adjust. I would suggest you and your hubby make a plan on how you are going to handle certain situations. It is okay to disagree, but you should both compromise and like you said be on the same page. Consistency is so important to children they thrive on it and need it. I am sure you will work it out. Good luck!!

You're completely right. You and your husband need to be on the same page! The time change is a chaos-inducer, and this age brings lots of fun new tantrums. My son definitely has started some bedtime antics, now that he's 14 months.

But stay consistent, and let your daughter work it out! Your instincts are spot on, but your husband is not helping here...